Circuit/System Description

The side blind zone alert system sensors are located behind the rear fascia and detect and report objects on either side of the vehicle, within a specified blind zone. The system alerts with a visual indicator placed on each side rear view mirror, to the presence of objects that may not be visible in the inside rearview mirror and outside rearview mirrors. When the system detects a vehicle in the side blind zone while driving forward, independent if passing a vehicle or being passed, an amber warning symbol will light up in the appropriate outside mirror. This indicates that it may be unsafe to change lanes. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the amber warning symbol starts flashing and a chime sounds to give an extra warning not to change lanes. The side object sensor module provides the voltage to the outside rearview mirror to illuminate the side blind zone alert symbol on the mirror.

Side blind zone alert is active from speeds of 10 km/h (6.2 MPH) up to 140 km/h (87 MPH). Driving faster deactivates the system, indicated by low lighting warning symbols in the mirrors. Driving under this speed again will turn off the warning symbols. If then a vehicle is detected in blind zone, the warning symbols will illuminate normally on the appropriate side. When the vehicle is started, both outside mirror displays will briefly come on to indicate that the system is operating.